Have you ever tried to travel with a big, bulky jug of laundry soap? It’s awful! That’s why I started making my own DIY Non-Toxic Laundry Soap. It’s lightweight, toxin-free, and costs just pennies per load.
If you’re ready to ditch the chemicals, save money, and simplify laundry while traveling or living off-grid, let’s dive in!
Why Switch to DIY Laundry Detergent?
When we hit the road, carrying around a jug of detergent was a pain. It took up space, added weight, and was messy to handle. But once we learned that commercial laundry soap is mostly water, we started leaving it behind.
Then came the real shocker: most store-bought detergents are packed with harsh chemicals, ingredients that are harmful to your skin, clothes, and the environment. That’s when I realized I didn’t want to wear toxins anymore.
I kept wondering… Is there a better way?
Turns out, yes. My grandpa had been making his own laundry soap for years and swore by it. No chemicals, no water, no fluff. Just pure, effective cleaning for a fraction of the price.
DIY Dry Laundry Detergent Recipe (No Toxins, No Mess)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1 Fels-Naptha Bar (or use Dr. Bronner’s Bar for more of a natural option)
Directions
- Chop the Fels-Naptha bar into small chunks (the smaller, the better for blending).
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until fine and powdery. No big chunks remaining.
- Store in an airtight container (I use a clear glass jar with a scoop).
How to Use:
- Add 1 tablespoon of your homemade detergent directly into the washer drum.
- Wash as usual, warm or cold water.
- Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender for a natural scent boost.
Why This Recipe Works for Off-Grid & Travel Life
- No water weight – you add water only when washing
- Takes up minimal space – perfect for RVs, cabins, and tents
- Safe ingredients – no synthetic dyes, fragrances, or toxins
- Budget-friendly – save hundreds each year
- Eco-conscious – fewer plastic jugs, less waste
Bonus Tip: Use Greywater-Safe Ingredients
If you’re washing clothes off-grid and reusing greywater, consider switching the Fels-Naptha bar for something biodegradable like Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Bar. This is what I will be switching to when I use up the Fels-Naptha Bars that I have now.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Whether you’re a full-time traveler, off-grid homesteader, or just someone wanting to reduce toxins and waste—this simple DIY laundry detergent is a total game-changer.
Once you try it, you won’t go back to store-bought again.
Recourses
DIY Non-Toxic Laundry Soap for Travel & Off-Grid Living
Instructions
Make the Soap:
- Chop or grate (with cheese grater) into small chunks (smaller the better for blending.
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until fine and powdery. No big chunks remaining.
Store in an airtight container (I use a clear glass jar with a Tbsp scooper).
How to Use:
- Add 1 tablespoon of your homemade detergent directly into the washer drum.
- Wash as usual, warm or cold water.
Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender for a natural scent boost.
Notes
- I will be switching to Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap when I run out of Fels-Naphtha Bar. Overall, it is a better more natural soap.
- I always keep a 1 Tbsp Scooper in my detergent for ease of use.
- For a non-toxic option, use glass or stainless steal to store your soap.
- Always store in an airtight container for longer lasting freshness.
Love this simple recipe! I like how easy it is to make in bulk!
This is such a wonderful and simple laundry soap. I love that it avoids all the unnecessary ingredients that store-bought detergents have.
I love how much this recipe DOESN’T have in it. Simple, cost-effective ingredients. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been making my own liquid laundry detergent and now I want to switch to making this dry one!
Love that this is such a short list of ingredients and not overly complicated to make!
Great recipe for a simple and effective soap!
Sweet! I will need to switch to powder! I don’t have running water where I live, and so I go to the laundromat to do my laundry and that jug of liquid soap is a pain to lug around and it’s expensive too!
Isn’t it! The powder is so much lighter and cheaper for sure! ❤️
Love simple switches that are healthier!
Me too! 😍
I love this recipe, it’s easy enough that everyone can make it 🙂 Laundry detergent is one of the few things I yet don’t make from scratch, I’ve been meaning to but the ingredients always seem weird or out of reach. I like that you can use castile soap for this, I’ll have to give it a try!
There are so many different versions out there! It was overwhelming for me too until my grandpa showed me how easy it is to make your own.
Making this immediately! I already have all the ingredients (Dr. Bronners instead of your first choice bar) so it’s happening asap.
Yes!! 🙌🏻 Enjoy my friend!